Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed his intention to amend the constitution on the 18th, stating, "I expect constructive discussions that transcend party lines to accelerate (in the Diet) and for discussions among the public to deepen."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holding a press conference. [Reuters = Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Takaichi held a press conference on the night of his re-election and inauguration as Prime Minister after the general election, stating, "Speaking as the LDP president, it was included in the LDP's platform, so I believe we must pursue it with strength."

In the general election, the ruling parties, including the LDP and the Ishin Party, achieved a landslide victory, securing 352 seats, exceeding the 310 seats required to propose a constitutional amendment. While it will be difficult to propose a constitutional amendment immediately due to the opposition's majority in the House of Councillors (upper house), discussions are expected to accelerate following the general election victory.

The LDP's reason for seeking to amend the constitution is understood to be the belief that parts of the current constitution, which has not been amended since its promulgation in 1946, are no longer relevant to the times.

Constitutional amendment was also a long-cherished goal of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Prime Minister Takaichi considers his political mentor. Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is considered to have moderate conservative leanings, has also expressed his intention to pursue it.

The LDP's proposed amendments to the constitution primarily aim to include four points: the explicit mention of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), provisions for responding to emergencies, the resolution of electoral district consolidation issues, and the strengthening of education.

Among these, the most crucial is the explicit mention of the SDF, which is closely related to the pacifist constitution.

Article 9 of the current Japanese constitution includes provisions for the permanent renunciation of war and the threat or use of force, as well as the denial of the right to belligerency. It states that Japan will not possess military forces, and therefore, there is no mention of the SDF.

The LDP has emphasized the need to stipulate the SDF, which is a de facto military possessing fighters, submarines, and missiles, in the constitution. Prime Minister Takaichi himself stated on the campaign trail on the 2nd, "Why should we not include the SDF in the constitution?" and added, "To protect their pride and make them a reliable, capable organization, we must amend the constitution."

Regarding the agenda to be emphasized in his summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which is being coordinated for next month, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "I want to confirm the strengthening of Japan-U.S. relations in all areas, including security, economy, and culture."

He added, "I want to use this as an opportunity to reaffirm our countries' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

He referred to the newly inaugurated cabinet as "Takaichi Cabinet 2.0" and stated that he reappointed all of the previous ministers, noting they were "members I confidently chose about four months ago."

He declared, "I will govern with humility and boldness," and reiterated key policy priorities such as responsible fiscal expansion, strengthening national security, and enhancing the government's intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities.

Regarding concerns in financial markets surrounding expansive fiscal policy, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "We will consider fiscal sustainability."